Kansas City Chiefs rise to the top of the AFC West pile with win over Oakland

Just as the hype train was really gathering some steam for the Oakland Raiders, they fell to a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.

It's unlikely to be derailed too much, given their record to date, but as Derek Carr pointed out after the game, his team got a "punch in the mouth" with the loss.

"Everything about tonight was unusual, to be honest," Carr added. "To have our defense step up for us and make plays like that and for us to go out and not execute. You know, do things that we don't do."

As usual, Kalil Mack impressed on the night and forcing turnovers for his team, but the offence were unable to make anything of the possession their defence was gifting them.

Oakland opened the scoring with a field goal, but it was the Chiefs who took a decisive lead as Alex Smith connected with Tyreek Hill on a deep ball for a touchdown.

Smith was also clearly on the same page as his tight end Travis Kelce, who provided some big third down pick ups that helped the Chiefs to retain control of the ball and keep the Raiders defence on the field throughout the game.

They extended their advantage after a touchdown from Charcandrick West, while a punt return touchdown from Hill before half-time gave them an unassailable lead that the Raiders were never going to be able to match.

Carr was off his rhythm on the night, which may be down to the hand injury he suffered a few weeks ago, while the cold weather may have played a role as well for a player who reside in California.

However, this marked a low in terms of the season for Carr, as well as one of the worst performances from a quarterback this season (with over 40 passing attempts), so that may be of some concern for Jack Del Rio in the coming weeks.

The Chiefs however, have been on their own impressive winning streak of late, claiming victory in eight of their last nine games, which leaves them atop the AFC West and quietly going about their business as the playoffs loom.